1400–1410

132. Decree of the Senate for fitting out five galleys for the Flanders voyage; three bound to Sluys, and three to London.

Prohibition against the stowage of goods in the cabin at the stern, called “scandolarium,” at “Caput Doble;” the “scandolaria” of the London galleys to be searched, &c., &c.

[Latin, 296 lines.]

Jan. 23. “Misti Senato.” v. xliv. p. 138.

133. Appointment of Marco Justiniano by the Senate to be vicecaptain of the two galleys bound to London.

[Latin, 6 lines.]

Feb. 10. “Misti Senato.” v. xliv. p. 143.

134. Motion made in the Senate by the two Sages for the orders,—Andrea Morosini and Tomà Michiel.

As the King of England wrote to our Signory from London, 4 October, announcing his accession, granting facilities and favours to our citizens, and conceding many privileges to our merchants—Put to the ballot that there be elected two ambassadors of ours, to present themselves to the said King. They are to have 250 ducats each for their equipment, on condition that they be bound to have made for themselves velvet gowns of grain-dye or crimson; each may spend eight ducats a day, taking with them for this sum six squires and three pages each, a secretary and servant, a pursuivant, a steward, a cook, and three packhorses; horse grooming or hire
(agozia equorum), and the freight of vessels, not being included in these expenses. Our commonwealth to borrow the money required for this embassy by a levy of half per cent. on all goods conveyed by our galleys and other vessels towards and from London.

Ayes, 12. Noes, 66. Neutrals, 8.

[Latin, 24 lines.]

March 28. “Misti Senato.” v. xlv. p 8.

135. Motion made in the Senate by the two Sages for the orders,—Giovanni Georgio and Marco Dandolo.

That the vicecaptain and another master of the galleys bound to London be commissioned, in case that during their stay there the King be in London or come thither, or that they should go to his Excellency on other business, to congratulate him on his coronation, according to the tenor of our letters.

Moreover, for caution's sake, should the King not be in London, nor come thither during their stay there, or should they not chance to go to him, let them consign the letter to others for transmission to the King, should they learn that he has not received the others sent by us to him heretofore.

Motion carried.

[Latin, 14 lines.]

May 18. “Misti Senato.” v. xlv. p. 11.

136. Decree of the Senate concerning the costs of safeconducts obtained from the Kings of England and Portugal.

[Latin, 8 lines.]

Aug. 4. Commemoriali. v. ix. p. 111.

137. King Henry IV. to Doge Antonio Venier.

Missive under the signet, acknowledging the receipt of his letter demanding a safeconduct for the Venetian galleys, which the King grants willingly. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 4th August.

[Latin, 19 lines.]

Dec. 3. Commemoriali, v. ix. p. 152.

138. Letters Patent from Henry IV.

Inspeximus and confirmation of the letters patent in the Chancery Rolls in favour of the Venetians, A.D. 1399, September 17.

Alludes to his grateful recollection of the love and noble complaisance of the Doge of Venice and his subjects thereabouts besides the heavy costs and expenditure lavished in many ways for his honour when he was last in those parts in person. Considering what is aforesaid, and wishing to endow the captains and masters of the Venetian galleys and other tarrits with privileges and favours which may conduce to their tranquillity and advantage, he ratifies and confirms the letters aforesaid for himself and his heirs. Moreover, on the petition of the Doge, he grants and confirms the attestation of the letters, and also concedes to the aforesaid masters and captains, that they and other captains and masters of galleys and tarrits, during the said ten years, on arriving in England shall have prompt and speedy
dispatch for their return to Venice with their freight of wool, cloth, or tin, or any other merchandise soever, paying customs, subsidies, and other moneys due on such account as usual heretofore and reasonable. During the ten years the King also grants full power to captains and masters to hear and determine all civil causes soever relating to any matters which concern the galleys and tarrits, and their crews, past or future, discussed or for discussion, the immunities of the city of London being preserved throughout. Finally, no one in England may supply the crews with provisions without sufficient security from other persons; and should they do so, it will be at their own risk and peril, as on this account no mariners may be arrested, to the disturbance or hindrance of the passage of the galleys or tarrits.

Westminster, 3 Dec. 2 Hen. IV.

[Contemporaneous transcript on parchment, Latin, 63 lines.]

1401. Jan. 27. “Misti Senato.” v. xlv. p. 50.

139. Decree of the Senate for fitting out five galleys for the Flanders voyage, three bound to Sluys, and two to London, as in January 1400.

Vicecaptain of the London galleys—Bernardo Justiniano.

[Latin, 135 lines.]

April 21. “Misti Senato.” v. xlv. p. 71.

140. Decree of the Senate concerning the costs of safeconducts from Richard II. and Henry IV., amounting to the sum of 110 ducats.

[Latin, 19 lines.]

April 21. “Misti Senato.” v. xlv. p. 71.

141. Decree of the Senate concerning a fine of 50 livres exacted from the crews of the Flanders galleys for passing the night on shore.

The prohibition not to be enforced at Sluys or in London; and elsewhere the fine to be reduced to three light livres, as on account of its heavy amount it had not hitherto been levied.

[Latin, 6 lines.]

1402. Jan. 19./March 27. “Misti Senate.” v. xlv. p. 125.

142. Decree of the Senate for fitting out five galleys for the Flanders voyage, three bound to Sluys and two to London. All five of these galleys, accompanied by a sixth, to go in the first place to Aigues Mortes; and the galley destined for that port there to tranship into the other five the goods loaded in Venice for Flanders and London. The masters of the galleys bound to Bruges are forbidden to go to London.

As it is customary in England not to allow goods to be loaded on board the galleys until after payment of the duties for the entire cargo; and as it sometimes occurs that, from default of one or two merchants, the loading of the galleys is delayed: should such case occur, the vicecaptain of the London galleys is to draw a bill of exchange, and pay the English duties required of such merchants for their goods, which shall be held accountable, and not be consigned to their owners until after repayment.

The term for the shipment of spices by aliens at Venice on board
the galleys bound to Sluys, London, and Aigues Mortes, to be prolonged, they having made their purchases in the hope of exporting them, and the galleys being overloaded with heavy goods contrary to the intention of the town.

[Latin, 380 lines.]

March 30. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvi. p. 12.

143. Appointment by the Senate of Donato Arimondo to be vice-captain of the London galleys.

[Latin, 4 lines.]

Aug. 3. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvi. p. 35.

144. Decree of the Senate.

That leave be conceded to “Ser” Lorenzo Contarini, captain of the Flanders galleys, whilst at Sandwich, to visit [the shrine of] St. Thomas of Canterbury, in fulfilment of his vow, appointing as his lieutenant the master of the galley on which he is. He is to go and return in one day, not being allowed to sleep out of the galley.

[Latin, 4 lines.]

1403. May 30. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvi. p. 86.

145. Decree proposed in the Senate and negatived.

As for the present year no masters have been found to undertake the Flanders and London voyage, and as the consequent suspense is very prejudicial both to Venetian merchants, and to aliens who know not what to do about buying or selling: therefore, under penalty of 1,000 ducats, no one shall make any motion concerning a similar voyage before next Christmas.

Ayes, 43. Noes, 57. Neutrals, 10.

[Latin, 11 lines.]

1404. March 24. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvi. p. 129.

146. Decree of the Senate for fitting out four galleys for the Flanders voyage; two bound to Flanders and Sluys, and two to London.

[Latin, 76 lines.]

Aug. 9. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvi. p. 147.

147. Reply of the Senate to a Letter from the Captain of the Flanders galleys, dated Sluys, July 12, 1404, announcing his safe arrival there, as likewise that of the galleys in London. He is of opinion, that if on the homeward voyage he should go towards Sandwich, it would be perilous to the galleys, the merchants, and the merchandise, by reason of the very powerful English armada frequenting those waters.

The Senate expresses its conviction of the wisdom of the precaution taken by the said captain, Fantino Michiel, in demanding royal letters of safeconduct from Henry IV., and that his intent will be obtained; but leaves him at liberty to go or not to go to Sandwich and other English ports.

[Latin, 23 lines.]

1406. Feb. 11. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 31.

148. Decree of the Senate for fitting out four galleys for the Flanders voyage; two bound to Flanders and Sluys, and two to London as in 1404; transhipment of goods at Caput Doble or Portus Camera.

[Latin, 123 lines.]

1406. April 1. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 32.

149. Motion made in the Senate and negatived,—That the captain for the Flanders voyage be permitted to trade solely in England.

Noes, 23. Neutrals, 2.

[Latin, 6 lines.]

April 18. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 37.

150. Decree of the Senate for an outlay of 50 golden ducats, to be expended in things for presentation to the King of England. This sum with the 60 ducats for a present for Dino de Rapundis to be paid by average on the merchandise of the Flanders galleys.

[Latin, 3 lines.]

April 19. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 37.

151. Decree of the Senaet concerning the two galleys bound to London, which are not to remain there beyond the appointed period, so that they may be in waiting for the captain on the homeward voyage from Flanders. The vicecaptain and master of the two London galleys to be fined 500 ducats each, should they fail to quit London at the term assigned them.

[Latin, 10 lines.]

July 27. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 61.

152. Reply of the Senate to a demand made by the Captain of the Flanders galleys who had arrived at Sluys after a stormy voyage. Permission is granted him to remain at Sluys during the whole of August, and to give notice accordingly to the two masters of the London galleys to quit London on 1st September for Sandwich, that he may not be delayed there awaiting them, as was the case on the last voyage.

[Latin, 14 lines.]

1407. Jan. 11. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 86.

153. Decree of the Senate for fitting out four galleys for the Flanders voyage.

The captain, with those bound for London, to remain there 50 days.

Prohibition against the shipment of merchandise on board any Venetian coggo at Venice for Flanders or London, under penalty of 1,000 golden ducats, until two months after the departure of the Flanders galleys.

Should the two galleys at Sluys or Middleburg after a lapse of 30 days find freight but for one galley, the captain, masters, and merchants to be then at liberty to send the other to England, but not unless the majority approve of this, and know that the said galley can go alone in safety to Sandwich.

[Latin, 128 lines.]

Jan. 29. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 91.

154. Decree of the Senate.

As two ambassadors from the King of England, on their way to the Pope (Gregory XII.,) have presented themselves to the Signory,—Put to the ballot, that the Pope be written to, beseeching him to give them a good reception.

[Latin, 13 lines.]

1407. March 13. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 100.

155. Decree of the Senate.

The King of England is most friendly towards the Signory is evident by the honours which he confers daily on its merchants, and by his absolving Venetians from the general tax laid on every class in his kingdom.—Put to the ballot, that the College do purchase such things as shall seem fit to be sent as presents to that King and to the Queen (Jeanne, widow of John 4th Duke of Brittany), to the amount of 200 golden ducats, to be raised by a bill of exchange on London on the best terms possible, to go to the account of average on goods conveyed by these galleys out and home; namely, one half going, and the other half returning.

[Latin, 12 lines.]

April 10. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 108.

156. Decree of the Senate.

The delay of the Flanders galleys on their homeward voyage proceeds from the tardy departure of the London galleys; for although the Flanders galleys quit Sluys at the appointed time, and come to Sandwich as arranged, yet they are kept waiting there so long for the London galleys that they often lose fair weather, and remain as many days in those waters as would suffice for their voyage to Sicily. Be it ordained, that the galleys quit London at the appointed time, under penalty of 500 ducats to be paid by the vicecaptain, and 300 by the other master, and come to Sandwich within eight days after the arrival there of the Flanders galleys; but from that eighth day forth none of the galleys, whether from Flanders or London, to load any goods, under penalty of 500 ducats, to be paid by the captain and each of the masters. If the London galleys arrive within the term of eight days, all the galleys may load any goods brought by galleys or boats and other vessels within the eight days. The vicecaptain of London, after the expiration of the period assigned for his stay there, not to concede any permit for loading.

[Latin, 27 lines.]

April 10. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 108.

157. Appointment by the Senate of Cristoforo Soranzo to be vicecaptain of the London galleys.

[Latin, 4 lines.]

1408. Feb. 3. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 163.

158. Motion of the Senate.

Five galleys to be fitted out for the Flanders and London voyage, three bound to London and two to Sluys; the former to remain 50 days in the port of London, those of arrival and departure not included.

As the oarsmen of the galleys when in London and Bruges pledge themselves in the taverns beyond the amount of pay received by them in those ports, so that the masters are compelled to go round the taverns and redeem the men at very great trouble and expense,—it is ordered, that all who shall be pledged in taverns to the amount of four ducats each above the pay received by them shall be redeemed by the masters, the money paid on their behalf to be placed to their debit. If any men shall pledge themselves beyond
the sum of four ducats, the money is to be paid on their behalf, and placed to their debit; and in addition, a fine of 50 per cent. levied on each man, on the sum exceeding four ducats,—the penalty to be shared like the penalty imposed on bankrupts. The masters mat not rate these loans higher than they do the pay given by them to the crews.

No coggo may fit out for the Flanders voyage, or load any merchandise for Flanders and London, until two months after the departure of the said galleys from Venice, under penalty of 1,000 golden ducats to be levied on the goods of the owners of any ship acting contrariwise.

The captain to go to Sluys on board one of the two galleys bound to that port. Should the two galleys not suffice for the stowage of all the merchandise destined for Bruges one of the three bound for London shall accompany them with the superabundant freight to Sluys; that galley being prohibited from entering the stockade, but is instantly to unload outside it, and go to London. The captain, however, is at liberty to take the said third galley with him to Sluys or not, according to the superabundant freight of the two galleys, as possibly the London galley may have much more freight for that port than for Sluys.

Amendment to the foregoing motion, limiting the number of the galleys to four, two bound to London and two bound to Sluys.

Ayes, 81.

[Latin, 249 lines.]

Feb. 9. “Misti Senato.” v. xlvii. p. 166.

159. Decree of the Senate authorizing the expenditure of 200 golden ducats for presents to the King of England and the Duke of Burgundy, to be paid by average on goods conveyed by the Flanders galleys.

[Latin, 6 lines.]

April 9. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 3.

160. Decree of the Senate concerning the bankruptcy of Antonio de Ponte, master of one of the galleys bound to London. For the safety of the goods, Lorenzo Minio is appointed supervisor on board the galley; with regulations about freight, and exempting De Ponte from all writs, until after the departure of the galleys.

[Latin, 38 lines.]

July 22. Grand Council, “Leona.” p. 172.

161. Decree of the Grand Council.

As the captain of the Flanders galleys and the merchants write that “Ser” Antonio de Ponte, master of one of the galleys bound to London, took it first to Sluys, to land the goods destined for Bruges, and that the “presidents” or customers of Sluys caused all the London goods in De Ponte's galley to be unloaded, and sent to Bruges for inspection and valuation, they being subsequently brought back to Sluys and reloaded. In consequence of this delay the merchants will suffer loss, since 50 days was the term assigned for their stay in London, and they will now have but 38. Determined that the term of the London galleys shall commence on the arrival in London of the galley of Cà da Ponte, provided
the term do not exceed by move than 12 days the period assigned to the London galleys.

[Latin, 18 lines.]

July 24. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 25.

162. Decree of the Senate ordering the State Proveditors to engage a courier for the conveyance of letters for the prolongation of the safeconducts lately made out for the Flanders and London galleys; the expenses to be defrayed by an average on merchandise making that voyage.

[Latin, 3 lines.]

Aug. 5. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 27.

163. Decree of the Senate repealing for once the prohibition against the conveyance of pilgrims on board the traffic galleys, and ordering that one of the Baruth galleys be permitted to take on board and convey to Joppa on his way to the Holy Sepulchre the English nobleman [Richard de Beauchamp, fifth Earl of Warwick], the kinsman of the King, with his retinue; that no merchant be received on board the galley, either on the outward or homeward voyage; and that there be assigned for the nobleman's accommodation the stern cabin (scandolarium pupis) and cookroom (barcha) and the sailing-master's armoury (amarolus comiti). After its arrival at Jaffa, the galley to go to Acre for safety, and then return to Jaffa to receive the nobleman and his retinue; and not to remain beyond ten days from the time of landing the said personages at Jaffa, and reembarking them there. The cabins (statia) assigned to the nobleman and his retinue not to be encumbered. The College to stipulate with the master concerning the freight and expenses.

[Latin, 12 lines.]

Nov. 27. “Secreta Senato Deliberazioni.” v. iii p. 125.

164. Decree of the Senate.

By reason of the difficulties which have arisen in London with regard to a considerable sum disbursed on account of merchandise found on board Venetian galleys, contrary to the customs and regulations of the city of London,—Put to the ballot, that considering no nobleman could go safely or with speed, some eminent “religious” be dispatched to present himself to the King of England. All costs to be defrayed by the merchandise going and returning this year by the Flanders and London galleys, including the goods loaded or unloaded by them at the [intermediate] scales. Every hundred ducats' worth of merchandise to pay three gross on the outward voyage; and should this sum not suffice, goods on the homeward voyage to pay the like duty.

[Latin, 19 lines.]

Nov. 29. “Secreta Senato Deliberazioni.” v. iii. p. 126.

165. Commission from Doge Michael Steno, accrediting the Reverend “Magister” Jerome, of the order of Hermits, S. T. P., an envoy to King Henry IV.

He is in the first place to go to Bruges, and thence to London, there to exhibit his commission and deliver a copy of it to the Venetian consul; then to appear in the presence of the King, and to set forth that—being informed by the captain and master of the Venetian galleys
and the said consul that the merchants had been compelled to ransom themselves and their galleys from the customers of the city of London, first for 500 marks, then for 1,000l. sterling, and to pay other sums of money—the Doge, therefore, appeals to his Majesty, regretting the customs should have been defrauded, and declaring that Venetian subjects are charged to pay in full what is due.

The customers of London seized and forfeited certain Venetian merchandise which had not paid the duties, and also forfeited the galleys, the men, and the goods belonging to merchants who had not transgressed. The King by act of grace released the galleys, men, and merchandise which had paid duty, but ordered the total forfeiture of the goods which had not paid, and a fine of 500 marks to be levied for the offence. Believes this decree to have proceeded from invidious information, and requests the restitution of the forfeitures or their worth, with the 500 marks, on payment being made in full of what is due for the customs.

Moreover, the customers of London proceeded to a second act, more harsh, and not usually enforced against any nation. Certain bales which had been packed, sealed, and noted regularly for the payment of duties, were opened; and the merchants were compelled to present to the customs a fresh note of the quantity and value of the cloths and things contained in the bales which had already paid duty. Thereupon the merchants put a higher value on the bales than at first; but the customers still demanded more, and, alleging the customs had been deceived about these bales, declared the men, galleys, and merchandise to be forfeited. The captain, on hearing of this unjust act, went with the masters to the royal residence to complain; but the captain could not obtain audience: though he was told that, if he wished the galleys not to unload completely and to avoid the forfeit of everything, they must give 3,000l. sterling, besides the other forfeitures and the 500 marks; and that, if he would own to having erred and throw himself on the King's mercy, his Majesty would grant him pardon. Then the captain and the masters, under compulsion, admitted that they had erred; and it was announced to them that the King granted them to pay 1,000l. instead of 3,000l. sterling, besides the 500 marks, and that they must bear the loss of the goods forfeited for the nonpayment of the customs. The Doge beseeches restitution, and has prepared letters of credence for Jerome to the Archbishop of Canterbury, (fn. 1) the Lord the Turcopolier, (fn. 2) and the King's mother-in-law. (fn. 3)

[Latin, 3 pages.]

Nov. 29. “Secreta Senate, Deliberazioni.” v. iii. p. 127.

166. Further commission to Magister Jerome.

Money being due from the late Duke of Norfolk to the noblemen “Ser” Antonio Bembo, knight, and Giovanni Zane—as evidenced by a public instrument, and by the will and testament of the Duke,
who thereby desired that the debt should be paid—Magister Jerome is to endeavour that in this matter the King of England do ordain that full satisfaction be made by the heirs of the Duke. Any of the money paid to be included in the estimate of expenses of the mission of Magister Jerome, who is sent on account of the losses incurred in England.

[Latin, 14 lines.]

1409. Jan. 17. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 50.

167. Decree of the Senate.

1,476 golden ducats is due to the bankrupt Antonio de Ponte, for freight on the homeward voyage of the London galley, of which he was the master. Assignment of the sum to the creditors, Giovanni Savino, and Antonio and Paulo de Podio. Deductions for arrears due to the crew, auction charges, galley freights, damaged goods, missing merchandise, and bills of exchange, remitted to the vice-captain.

Ayes, 71. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 1.

[Latin, 14 lines.]

March 29. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 67.

168. Decree of the Senate for fitting out five galleys for the Flanders and London voyage. General regulations as in 1408.

The “admiral” of the galleys for the present voyage to receive 80 ducats salary, and to be at liberty to take freight free four butts of wine for Bruges or London, at his option; and on the homeward voyage he may take three thousand weight, light weight, either for Venice or other places without any freight charges.

Should an ambassador be sent to London, he, with two attendants, is to be conveyed on board the galleys, the masters being bound to diet them on the voyage out and home. The ambassador to have a salary of 200 ducats for the whole voyage; one hundred to be paid by the masters at the cost of the galleys, and the other hundred by the commonwealth. The ambassador, when not with the captain but in London, to be vicecaptain of the London galleys, during his stay there, with such forms and privileges as usually conceded to the vicecaptain, or with such commission as shall be given to him, with liberty to order the payment of the galley crews like the captain. At Caput Doble the captain to consign to the ambassador the bills of exchange made out here to his order; the ambassador to be at liberty to trade himself and through his factors. Should he not be sent, one of the masters is to exercise the office of vicecaptain.

As on the last voyage great loss was incurred in London owing to the failure of certain individuals to pay the customs' duties, should any persons fail to pay the duties, and thus occasion loss to other merchants, their goods shall be held responsible.

[Latin, 190 lines.]

April 1. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 70.

169. Decree of the Senate concerning Custom-house regulations in England injurious to the Venetian galleys.

The consul in London, writing in conformity with the letters of
Magister Jerome, ambassador from the State to England, states that the King's Council answered that henceforth punishment was to he inflicted solely on such as act contrary to the customs' regulations of England, and not on such as trade fairly and lawfully, but that this must be done by the Parliament of England, which had enacted the orders and statutes; and, as it was possible that Parliament would be held before the arrival of the galleys, it was necessary for the consul and merchants to dispatch the business, which could not be effected without expenditure for jurisconsults and advocates; and for this expenditure the consul demands permission.—Put to the ballot, that he be commanded, in case the Parliament be held before the arrival of the galleys in England, to solicit the grant of what was enjoined Magister Jerome, and of even better terms, with liberty to incur the necessary expenses, which are to be defrayed by the quota assignable this year in London for other necessary expenditure.

[Latin, 20 lines.]

April 19. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 71.

170. Decree of the Senate concerning the appointment of an ambassador to England.

The consul and merchants in London recommending the mission of an individual as vicecaptain of the London galleys after their separation from the captain,—Put to the ballot, that an ambassador be elected vicecaptain of the galleys bound to London, with a salary of 400 ducats. Of this salary the masters to pay 100 ducats on account of the galleys, and to board him and two attendants during the passage out and home; 100 ducats to be paid by the commonwealth; and the remaining 200 ducats to be paid by an average. The ambassador is forbidden to trade in London.

[Latin, 17 lines.]

April 30. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 75.

171. Decree of the Senate, ordering any extraordinary expenses required for the Flanders galleys and merchandise this year at Bruges to be defrayed by an average on all goods conveyed to and from Bruges and London.

[Latin, 5 lines.]

April 30. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 74.

172. Commission to the nobleman “Ser” Antonio Bembo, knight.

To go as ambassador and vicecaptain of the London galleys to the King of England, and solicit him to concede the demands made by Magister Jerome. To confer with our viceconsul and the local council, and determine on the means to be employed in demanding the grant of what is requisite. If the demands must be decided in the general Parliament, which, according to report, meets about the middle of September, and the local council should determine for his remaining, he may stay one month after the departure of the galleys.

As indemnity for the damage done might be obtained if the dispute with Richard Style were adjusted, Bembo is to come to terms with him. The sum expended to be reimbursed by an average; the amount not to exceed 300 ducats.

To seek satisfaction for moneys due in England to “Ser” Giovanni Zane, according to the note which he will give.

To obtain a mandate that, if any Venetian subject obtain goods on credit from any English subjects and do not make repayment, others shall not be molested.

Not to attend to his own affairs until the business of the state is concluded, and then only remain eight days beyond the term limited to transact his own affairs.

The presents for the King and certain English lords to be presented on his arrival in London.

Any extraordinary expenditure for the galleys at Bruges to be defrayed by an average.

[Latin, 5 lines.]

July 16. Montereale Manuscript. pp. 86–89.

174. Richard Dereham, Chancellor of Cambridge, envoy for the two leading Cardinals of the Council of Pisa—Antonio Gaetani, Grand Penitentiary and Patriarch of Aquileia, and Francesco degli Aguzzoni, Cardinal of Bordeau—gives them account of his mission to Henry IV.

Arrived in England on the 8th of July, and on the 11th delivered their letters to the King. He made answer that he will assist their College, even to the shedding of his blood; nay, for the reintegration of the Church, and to extirpate the schism now imminent, he would fain be brayed to atoms. He therefore promises to write to all the Kings his friends to assist them; and declares that for the future no one in in his realms shall be subjected to privation of benefices for adhering to them. He likewise had it proclaimed that no money should be taken out of England to the prejudice of their college; and sent orders to the collector of Peter's pence that all the money received by him should be faithfully preserved for the treasury of some future pontiff. Found the Archbishop of Canterbury [Thomas Arundel, Lord Chancellor], well disposed. He has caused all the clergy of his diocese, with the authorities of the universities, to be convoked for discussion as to the union in St. Paul's Church, London, on the 23rd July, in which convocation it is hoped neutrality will be concluded.

The Germans assured Dereham they entirely confirmed the English decision, but a report is in circulation that three Cardinals have deserted the College.

[Latin, 33 lines. Signed and addressed.]

Oct. 9. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 112.

175. Decree of the Senate.

“Ser” Antonio Bembo, ambassador to the King of England, has written the King's reply that without the Parliament, which is to be held next Christmas, he could not settle the matters represented to him. Put to the ballot that, in case Bembo has not yet quitted England, he do remain there until the next Epiphany.

[Latin, 19 lines.]

1409. Dec. 9. “Misti Senate.” v. xlviii. p. 118.

176. Decree of the Senate, ordering Friar Jerome, of the order of Hermits, to be ambassador to the Duke of Burgundy, to procure the usual safeconducts for the Flanders and London galleys.

[Latin, 10 lines.]

1410. Feb. 25. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 128.

177. Decree of the Senate, extending the term assigned for the departure of the coggo bound to Flanders and London.

[Latin, 7 lines.]

Feb. 27. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 129.

178. Motion made in the Senate for fitting out four galleys for the Flanders and London voyage.

The two galleys bound for London to remain there 50 days.

Amendment.—That three galleys be destined for the Flanders and London voyage, viz., two new ones and one of the old ones—the best. Two to go to Flanders, and the third to London; but one of the two which shall go to Flanders, after touching at Sluys, to go to London and load there. These galleys to be awarded by auction to the highest bidders.

[Latin, 260 lines.]

March 30. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 132.

179. Appointment by the Senate of Cristoforo Soranzo to be vicecaptain of the London galley.

[Latin, 2 lines.]

April 3. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 137.

180. Decree of the Senate.

Two hundred golden ducats to be expended in such things as shall seem fit to the College, for presentation to the King of England, the Duke of Burgundy, and others. This sum to be levied by the extraordinary officials on goods going and returning with the Flanders galleys, namely, 100 ducats on the outward voyage and 100 on the return.

[Latin, 7 lines.]

April 7. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 135.

181. Decree of the Senate concerning the observance by Venetian subjects of Customhouse regulations in London.

As in London the merchants often do not “clear” their merchandise and goods from the customs there, and the galleys on this account are compelled to remain there beyond the term assigned them,—Put to the ballot, that all persons loading merchandise or goods of any description or quality soever must clear their goods from the customs within two days after the completion of the cargoes. If, on the expiration of these two days, the merchandise be not “cleared” the vicecaptain and viceconsul there to raise by bill of exchange the sum required for paying the customs on the goods, which are to be attached as security; the money to be subsequently refunded at Venice. Should the merchants not pay the bill of exchange their goods to be sold.

[Latin, 18 lines.]

1410. April 10. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 135.

182. Decree of the Senate.

As the State Proveditors, for the expenses of Magister Jerome who was sent to the Duke of Burgundy, disbursed fifty-four pounds gross, (fn. 4) —Put to the ballot that the goods on board the present Flanders and London galleys do pay half a golden gross for every pound gross levied on them in Venice to the State Proveditors. Money thus levied out of Venice must be paid to the viceconsul at Bruges by the captain of the galleys, and by the vicecaptain of the London galleys to the viceconsul in London.

Ayes, 34. Noes, 23. Neutrals, 8.

[Latin, 17 lines.]

May 14. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 147.

183. Decree of the Senate.

“Ser” Antonio Bembo, knight, has now remained a long while in England, unable to accomplish all that was enjoined him; and by his letters dated the 2d April, he writes that his dispatch hither is not possible, as the Parliament is occupied with other great and arduous affairs.—Put to the ballot, that he be ordered again to present himself to the King, and urge the matter intrusted to him; or, if the King delay to dispatch the business, to return to Venice with full information. Lest by reason of the departure of “Ser” Antonio the business be impeded, all writings to be consigned to “Ser” Andrea de Molino, viceconsul in London.

[Latin, 18 lines.]

July 24. “Misti Senato.” v. xlviii. p. 165.

184. Decree of the Senate concerning presents from the State to the Nobility of England.

Put to the ballot, that the viceconsul and vicecaptain of the London galleys may, for the dispatch of the galleys, expend 100 ducats on such personages as shall seem fit to them. They are to raise the money by a bill of exchange on Venice; the expense to go to the account of average on all goods loaded in London.

Ayes, 36. Noes, 20. Neutrals, 3.

[Latin, 11 lines.]

Footnotes

1. Thomas Arundel. This prelate was impeached and banished the kingdom in the reign of Richard II., but returned with Henry IV.